Smith family papers
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Smith family papers
- Date
- 1858-1955 (inclusive)
- Bulk, 1859-1874 (bulk)
- Extent
- 0.45 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- Smith, George Washington, 1832-1908
- Smith, Robert, 1784-1858
- Agriculture--Documentation.
- Agriculture--Kentucky--History.
- Corn
- Corydon (Ky.)
- Henderson (Ky.)
- Henderson County (Ky.)--Genealogy.
- Henderson County (Ky.)--Social conditions.
- Registers of births, etc.
- Rye.
- Slavery--Kentucky--History.
- Smith Mills (Ky.)
- Tobacco.
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.
- Wheat.
- Wills.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged chronologically.
- Preferred Citation
- 64M142 : [identification of item], Smith family papers, 1858-1955, Bulk 1859-1874, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- George Washington Smith (1832-1908) was a farmer and, apparently, owner of a sawmill in Henderson County, Ky.
- Scope and Content
- The collection consists of a diary, a will, a letter and some genealogical material related to the Smith family of Smith Mills and Henderson, Ky. The diary (1854-1874) which comprises the bulk of the collection is that of George Washington Smith. Primarily, the diary is a laconic account of Smith's daily activities, such as supervising slaves, planting and harvesting corn, wheat, rye or tobacco, making trips into Corydon, or into Henderson, attending church or going to parties and other social functions for the purpose of obtaining a wife. The diary sometimes offers insights into the political situation in Henderson County preceding and during the Civil War, the price of slaves throughout the war as well as social and religious life in the area. The original and a typescript of the diary are available.
- The will of George Washington Smith's father, Robert Smith, is present as are some pages from the Smith family Bible which records births, deaths and marriages from 1753-1955. Also included is a letter from G. W. Smith proposing marriage (which he apparently did numerous times, without success) to an unknown correspondent.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Contents of the Collection
Family Records, 1753-1955
- Box 1, Folder 4
Scope and Contents note
This folder contains a genealogy, which appears to be from a family bible and a typescript of Robert Smith's will.
Proposal of marriage to unidentified recipient, 1861 July 23
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
